What is the second rope on a bull for?

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Professionally Researched. (What's this?)

Bull riding is a popular rodeo sport. Before his eight-second ride, a cowboy wraps a rope around the flank of the bull and another around the chest behind the bull's front legs.

Function

The flank strap, or second rope, is a length of padded rope. Its purpose is to encourage the bull to kick. Without the annoying flank strap, the bull would run around the arena, not remain in one area trying to rid himself of the cowboy and flank strap.

Time Frame

The flank strap is slipped onto the bull when it enters the alley to the bucking chute. The slack is taken out of it just prior to the ride but it's not pulled so tight as to injure the animal and is removed immediately after the ride.

Front Rope

The rider hangs on to the front, or bull rope, during his ride. A bell is attached at the bottom of the rope for weight so the bull rope falls off with the cowboy or when he releases the bull rope.

Misconceptions

Bull riding novices sometimes think the flank strap is tied around the bull's genitals. This would adversely affect the animal's performance and result in injury. Many champion bucking bulls are worth more than $50,000. Stock contractors don't risk injury to their investments.

Fun Fact

When a bull is attacked, the predator strikes at the bull's flank to disable it. This natural instinct is the reason the flank strap is so successful at encouraging the bulls to buck higher.

Source:

Probullstats: Bull Riding - The Sport

PBR: Bucking Bulls Q and A

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What is the second rope on a bull for?

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